You must not be scared to speak up

• diversity_admin
• 7 October, 2021

A senior leader of an international bank has revealed the lessons she has learnt during her extensive career.

Ida Liu is the global head of Citi Private Bank and a member of the Citi Global Wealth Leadership team. She leads the private banking activities in 50 offices across 18 countries and delivers wealth management solutions to ultra-high net worth families and their businesses globally.

Before joining Citi, Liu was at Vivienne Tam, a women’s wear design house, where she was global head of sales, marketing, public relations and business development.

Throughout her career, Liu said having a positive mindset was “incredibly important”. “I always view the glass as half full instead of half empty,” she said during her presentation.
The New-York based financial head also stressed the importance of communication. “Don’t assume people know what you want – don’t be scared to speak up,” Liu said. “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.”

Speaking to your team about your hopes and aspiration is essential to growth too.
“You should highlight your contribution too,” she said. “Don’t assume people know about the wonderful work you are doing.”

On being the only woman of colour in a place of employment, Liu said it should not make you feel like you do not belong: “You have a seat at the table for a reason – be yourself and contribute as you would otherwise,” she said. “Do not let that hinder you or make you feel any less.”